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Frequently Asked Questions

Can it be used outdoors? Yes, it remains functional and safe while being used outdoors. The RatMat is made from PVC and stainless steel which should last for decades, even in harsh weather conditions. Tiles should be placed in such a way as to allow drainage, so that water does not accumulate on the surface. If the tiles are submerged, they will stop working. The RatMat will still work when the surface is wet. A human should not receive a shock if the floor is wet, however we recommend that you wear shoes to avoid contact.

Should it be used on concrete or can I put it on gravel or dirt? Flat concrete or flat hard surfaces are ideal. The tiles are very hard wearing, but repeated flexing from traffic could crack them. Soft floors or uneven surfaces are not recommended.

Is the RatMat safe?The RatMat's power output is 40 times less powerful than an electric fence in a farmer's field. If you walk barefoot on the slabs, you will receive an unpleasant shock. We recommend that you wear shoes when walking on the RatMat. Children and pests must be supervised. Pets learn very quickly to avoid stepping on the tiles.

Does it kill rodents? No, it does not kill them or harm them. The system is humane and effective as an electric barrier. RatMat requires little maintenance.

Do we make one that kills them? There are electronic traps that kill rodents, but they are in secure boxes; rodents learn to avoid things that harm them or their colony, so electronic traps have limited effectiveness. The RatMat is a permanent active barrier.

Can I drive a vehicle there?When properly installed on a flat surface, they can be ridden with pneumatic tires for many years without damaging the tiles, which are made of durable stainless steel and PVC, two materials used in high-quality flooring and tiles. quality and durable.

Do I need a full mat or will a perimeter provide enough protection? The larger the area under and around an area or object to be protected covered with RatMat, the better the level of protection. We recommend a perimeter for use around a car as we have found it to be extremely effective in stopping rodent damage completely. In the unlikely event that damage persists, additional tiles can be added later.

Will the tiles work if they are covered in debris or snow? We recommend tiles be free of debris, mud and snow to ensure full effectiveness. We recommend that debris be cleaned to prevent arcing of the carpet surface. The power supply must be disconnected from the mains supply to avoid any possibility of receiving an electric shock.

Can the tiles be cleaned? Yes, tiles can be vacuumed, swept, pressure washed and hosed down. We recommend that you turn off the transformer when washing with water.

How do I know if the tiles are working? After assembling the system and turning it on, there is no reason to expect it not to work. To be sure that the electrical pulses reach all areas of the surface, an electric fence tester can be used. This measures voltages up to several thousand volts.

Can it be powered off the grid?Yes, we have an option for a battery powered transformer.

How much electricity does RatMat use? 0.45 watts; much less than an energy saving bulb. That's <0.1% the energy of a defibrillator, 0.45 joules, 40 times less powerful than a standard electric fence in a farmer's field. It delivers a pulse with a duration of 0.003 seconds (3 milliseconds).

Do rodents get used to shocks? The RatMat works like an electric fence. There is no evidence that animals become habituated to pulsed electric shocks, which is why these fences remain effective in farmers' fields for decades. We had no cases of rodents getting used to shocks.

Will the rats jump over the perimeter?Rats and mice have very poor eyesight, their fur is very sensitive. They use the beaten track and the scent of other rodents in their colony to get around. It is unusual for rodents to jump into the unknown without testing whether it is safe to do so.

Will the tiles work when turned off? No. They will not hesitate to cross the RatMat if there is no apparent danger.

Do the tiles need to be screwed to the floor or can the mat function as a mobile structure? We recommend screwing the tiles to the ground in all areas where there is a lot of foot traffic or traffic. This prevents movement that might otherwise expose an area to rodent damage. Each tile has two screw points to secure them permanently. Alternatively, tiles can be moved and redeployed as needed.

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